By Tiffany T. Leone
July 1, 1999

Explore new worlds

Adding plant-based foods to your diet is now a little easier, thanks to a new series of brochures from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). The Healthy Flavors of the World brochures feature the cuisines of Asia, the Mediterranean, India, Mexico, South America, and the Middle-East.

In addition to discussions on each region’s climate and culture, the free brochures contain ideas for adding new flavors to familiar foods, trying simple cooking techniques, and shopping for ethnic ingredients. Contact the AICR at (800) 843-8114 or educate@aicr.org.

Children’s food guide pyramid

The USDA recently introduced the new Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children, an adaptation of the original Food Guide Pyramid for children ages 2 to 6. Like the traditional food guide pyramid, the children’s version emphasizes balanced meals, moderation, and variety in food choices, placing a special emphasis on grain products, fruits, and vegetables.

A free 16-page booklet, Tips for Using the Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children 2 to 6 Years Old, includes a picture of the adapted pyramid and information on children’s nutrition. Order it online at www.usda.gov/cnpp or call the Government Printing Office, (202) 512-1800. Ask for stock No. 001-00004665-9.

Breast cancer guidelines

Breast cancer patients now have another source of information about treatment options. The American Cancer Society (ACS) has translated the National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s (NCCN) breast cancer treatment guidelines, originally developed for oncologists, into language easier for patients to understand.

The ACS’ Breast Cancer: Treatment Guidelines for Patients begins by listing information patients must find out in order to use the guidelines, including details about the stage of cancer; number, size, grade, and types of tumors; involvement of lymph nodes; and presence of estrogen receptors. Step-by-step charts show how patients and health professionals can arrive at treatment decisions. For more information or to request a copy, contact the society at (800) ACS-2345, www.cancer.org or the cancer network at (888) 909-NCCN, www.nccn.org.

Unsung heroines

Nursing history buffs may want to check out We Band of Angels by Elizabeth M. Norman. Norman tells the story of 77 Army nurses trapped on a Pacific island at the beginning of World War II. She describes their experiences in the jungle hospitals of Bataan, the tunnel of Corregidor, and their three-year imprisonment in Manila. Using letters, interviews, diaries, and journals, Norman tells the nurses’ story of determination and dedication. Random House, $27. Available from most major bookstores.

Becoming computer-savvy

Looking to improve your computer skills? Computers in Nursing: Bridges to the Future, by Linda Q. Thede, PhD, RN, may be just what you need. Thede’s book covers hardware and software issues, applications, the Internet, and the specifics of nursing informatics. It also includes a glossary of common terms and exercises at the end of each chapter.

Have you seen anything out there we should know about? Let us know:
christyl@nurseweek.com